Anita Gene Lester,65, is being remembered as a caring lawyer who spent part of her career defending those accused of crimes and part of her career prosecuting them.

Family and friends celebrated Ms. Lester’s life Saturday, Jan. 6, at Antioch Baptist Church in Varina.

The service took place nearly two months after her death on Nov. 14, 2023.

Ms. Lester grew up in Henrico County and began her legal career after graduating from Hampton University. She later earned her law degree from North Carolina Central University’s School of Law.

She practiced law in Richmond with Henry L. Marsh III at the Hill, Tucker & Marsh law firm and with David P. Baugh.

Ms. Lester also served as public defender at the Oliver Hill Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in the city.

Other career roles included working as a deputy assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Suffolk and as a legislative assistant to Mayor Dwight C. Jones during his tenure as the city’s chief executive.

Her family said that outside the legal realm, she had a flair for decorating, event planting and a passion for her three dogs.

Ms. Lester also served as the caretaker for her mother, Irene Lester, her only survivor.